Solti International Conducting Competition

In autumn 2026, Müpa Budapest launched the Solti International Conducting Competition, continuing the tradition of the iconic international competition organised by Hungarian Television in 1974. This competion was one of the most important forums for young conductors for decades; with a view to reviving this tradition, the competition taking place between October 1 and 10 offers an opportunity for conductors aged 18-35 from all over the world to prove themselves in the Hungarian concert halls with the finest acoustics as they lead top domestic symphony orchestras in front of the most renowned representatives of the profession.

The competition is named after Sir Georg Solti, one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century, whose career remains exemplary to this day: beyond expertise in his field, his legacy reminds us of the importance of personality, humility in the service of music, and the ability to build community and forge international dialogue. Throughout his life, he consistently supported young, aspiring musicians, holding master classes and setting young conductors, singers and instrumental soloists on the path to the world’s most prestigious podiums. The mission of the competition is to ensure that future conductors are not only excellent musicians, but also influential leaders of their ensembles and genuine cultural ambassadors.

Following a preliminary selection process, the selected competitors will be evaluated in three rounds before a prestigious international Jury in Hungary’s three top concert halls in terms of acoustics: the Concert Hall of the Kodály Centre in Pécs, the Grand Hall of the Liszt Academy, and the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall at Müpa Budapest. The competitors will work with three internationally renowned symphony orchestras: the Pannon Philharmonic from Pécs, the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra.